Texas Governor Issues Executive Order To Fight Antisemitism At Universities

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued an executive order to combat what he calls acts of antisemitism at Texas universities and colleges.

The executive order requires that colleges and universities review and update their free speech policies to include the definition of antisemitism and to establish "appropriate punishments" for antisemitic speech and acts on campuses.

Those punishments may include expulsion, according to the order.

The order also says colleges and universities should ensure their free speech policies are being enforced on campuses, including, specifically, that "groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine are disciplined for violating these policies." The order lists such phrases as "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" as examples of antisemitism.

"Antisemitism is never acceptable in Texas, and we will do everything we can to fight it," Abbott said in a press release.

"The State of Texas stands with Israel and the Jewish community, and we must escalate our efforts to protect against antisemitism at Texas colleges and universities and across our state."